If you are interested in becoming a better and more engaged leader in your industry, business, and community, then you need to apply for the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP). All six of the current HAR executive officers are graduates of TRLP (Class of 2015 is the best though!) You may read more about TRLP and how to apply here. You won’t regret it.
The most recent MLS statistical update for our region showed unexpected strength. Still, we need to keep a watchful eye on the market, as the Federal Reserve keeps seeing indicators that make it less likely for an interest rate cut in the immediate future. You may read all about the latest update here. And make sure to check out the rental market update here.
Habla Español? If you answered “si,” or if you have clients who would, you will want to check out here to find out more about our expanded Spanish-language search function on HAR.com. With reports saying that 40% of people living in the greater Houston area speak Spanish, it is an obvious area in which we need to extend resources.
Have you registered for your FREE Forewarn account that is provided as part of your MLS subscription? We have heard from subscribers who have been able to find out about potential clients who may have had financial or criminal issues in the past. It didn’t mean that they did not assist the potential client, but they took extra precautions to keep everyone safe. You may learn more about Forewarn and how to register here.
Also, make sure to check out our Affordability Indices here. We receive lots of media coverage for these quarterly reports, and we want to make sure you have them as information that you may use in your business. We produce a report that focuses on home purchases and another that focuses on rentals.
Our consumer focus groups last year highlighted the importance of floor plans when someone is looking for a property. We have partnered with both CubiCasa and ShowingTime+ to provide options for how you would like to produce floor plans for your listings. You may find out more here.
Until next month,
Thomas Mouton
HAR Chair